Bankole Yao Jojo Ahadzie, 43, has made history on Sunday by becoming the first rasterman to file for nomination as a presidential candidate in Gambia. Gambians head to the polls on December 4, a crowded race that show 22 people declaring interest in the country’s top job.

Banky, as he is commonly called, has been a staff of the Medical Research Council (MRC) since the 2000. He studied internet engineering in the United Kingdom.

The rasterman is seen by many observers as one of the underdogs in the coming elections. However, he is hailed for his simplicity and kindness by associates. He arrived at the Election House on motorbike with couple of colleagues.

Banky could not grant an interview to waiting journalists, citing health reasons. However, his campaign manager, Lamin Jatta, urged Gambians to be more opened minded towards their candidate and end the long-held stereotypes against rasters or people with dreadlocks.

“Rasta, that doesn’t mean [anything bad]. The content (of a person) is more important… Raster is only hair. It is just like any other hairstyle,” said Jatta.

“The talent that Banky has is the most important thing. I have voted before but I support Banky in this election because his agenda is good. I know that he will bring development to the country… He is talented and educated.”

Ending apathy among rasters

In the Gambia, the raster community is generally disinterested in voting or running for political office. Often time, the issue of dreadlocks is associated with Marijuana use, sale or criminal behavior.

But Banky appears to have overcome such stereotypes, thus giving a positive image to the raster community in the country. Legalizing Marijuana is on his agenda, a product he values for its economic and medical potency.  

Pa Camara, 57, is also a mobilizer for Banky’s campaign. He is confident that with Banky’s presidency, the Gambia will see advancement in education, health, agriculture and youth development.

“I am happy because before I do nothing in politics besides voting on election days. But this time, I am participating in the process, and I hope we end it in peace.” Banky is expected to complete his nominations with submission of papers on asset declaration, income tax clearance and a photo sample.

Two others to have filed their nominations on Sunday were Lamin Satu Bojang, a retired army general and candidate for Alliance for National Re-orientation and Development and Momodou Bah, an independent candidate. Bojang was Gambia’s deputy ambassador to Saudi Arabia under the administration of ex-leader Yahya Jammeh.

He was reappointed in 2017 as deputy ambassador to Russia. However, he would soon resign from the post to become the presidential candidate of the Gambia Action Party (GAP). A controversy arose when a nude video emerged purportedly of him which led to his dismissal by GAP. He eventually registered his party in April 2021.

Bah, 37, is a teacher by profession who earned master’s degree in African Studies from Sheikh Anta Diop university.

“…I am the… Gambian people have been looking for. I am a unifier,” said Bah.

The nominations with the IEC is expected to close on Friday, October 5, Samboujang Njie, the chief electoral officer, told Malagen.

On November 6, all candidates and their details will be published for public scrutiny, giving IEC an opportunity to publish the final list on the evening of the same day.